Spanish influences are still noticeable in Florida home decorations.
Florida is a big state with a history spanning 500 years and depending on where you live, homes can differ in appearance. There are several historic home styles that have colors and looks distinctive to each architectural style. Traditional Florida plantation homes are similar to those found elsewhere in the South and Miami-area bungalows are part of a the national bungalow style. There are also homes strongly influenced by Florida's long association with Spanish settlers, which are more vibrant and colorful than other homes in the state. Does this Spark an idea?
Plantation Houses
Florida plantation houses are historically white or off-white with green shutters. More modern interpretations of old plantation houses allow for some deviation in shutter and trim colors, however, the main house color remains white or off-white. Common alternative accent colors include peach, light yellow, and coral, which highlight the sub-tropical climate and local flora.
Bungalows
Bungalows are found in the historic neighborhoods of South Florida, particularly Miami. Old bungalows are often tan, off-white or creamy yellow. However, like plantation houses, new or renovated bungalows are now painted lively and warm colors. Numerous shades of yellow as well as peachy oranges and coffee-colored browns are becoming more popular. Trim and accents are a good areas to experiment with more vibrant of unusual colors since they pair nicely with more neutral house tones and are easy to paint over if the final effect is too jarring.
Spanish Influence
The Spanish settlements in Florida are found along the Atlantic coast and center on St. Augustine in northern Florida. Here the houses are painted bright colors or are white with bright trim and shutters. Common Spanish-style colors include pink, ocher, lemon yellow and green or blue trim. Spanish influences are found not only on residential buildings but also government and commercial buildings. Similar colors are also seen in the Cuban areas of South Florida.
General Colors
As with other parts of the country, homes in Florida are often neutral for the body of the house and more or less contrasting on the accents and trim to suit the tastes of the occupants. When deciding what color palette to use on a Florida home, take the subtropical climate as a source of inspiration. Florida is home to bright flowers and trees as well as citrus orchards and strawberry fields. The dense and green vegetation and bright blue sky provide a striking backdrop to white as well as brightly painted homes.
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